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Case 146 - Kettles banned in office as this would encourage staff to walk around with open topped cups

Issue

An office has been denied the use of a kettle due to health and safety. The enquirer referred to Case 69 on Myth Busters Webpage whilst challenging this decision with office managers. They then changed their excuse to the fact that a kettle would lead to people walking around with open topped cups which then represent a "health and safety" issue with regard to the chances of people spilling boiling liquids.

Panel decision

It is clear from the evidence provided by the inquirer that the employer does not want to provide facilities for making and consuming tea and coffee in the office and is using "health and safety" as an excuse. There is absolutely no reason to ban kettles or people walking around with hot drinks. The employer needs to own up to why they do not want to provide the facilities and stop hiding behind poor excuses.